Statement from the family of Bobby Allison
With deep sadness, the family of Bobby Allison announces his passing at the age of 86. He passed away peacefully at home on November 9, 2024, surrounded by family. He had been in declining health over the past few years but continued to give back to the sport he loved.
Bobby was the ultimate fan’s driver. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his fans and would stop to sign autographs and have conversations with them everywhere he went. He was a dedicated family man and friend, and a devout Catholic.
Arrangements have not been announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating to Bobby’s home church (St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville, N.C.), your local Catholic church or diocese, International Motorsports Hall of Fame Preservation Society or Victory Junction Gang Camp.
Statement from NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France
“Bobby Allison personified the term ‘racer.’ Though he is best known as one of the winningest drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history, his impact on the sport extends far beyond the record books. As a driver, he won races and championships across several NASCAR divisions. But as the leader of the famous “Alabama Gang,” Bobby connected with fans in a profound manner. In the most significant ways, he gave his all to our sport. On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I offer my deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, friends and fans on the loss of a NASCAR giant.”
— NASCAR —
AND: Bobby Allison, founding member of NASCAR’s legendary “Alabama Gang,” the 1983 premier-series champion and winner of 85 races, died Saturday. He was 86 years old.
Allison gained fame and fortune during a racing career that lasted nearly three decades and earned the Florida native practically every racing accolade imaginable. But it was a career that also included more than its share of tragedy — Allison lost two sons in tragic incidents, and his own career ended after a nearly fatal on-track accident in 1988.
A member of NASCAR’s second Hall of Fame class in 2011, Allison currently holds fourth place on NASCAR’s all-time win list for its premier series. He was recognized for an 85th victory on Oct. 23, 2024, with NASCAR officials deeming him the winner of a disputed race in 1971 at Bowman Gray Stadium.
His 718 career starts are 14th in series history and his 336 top-five finishes are second only to fellow Hall of Famer Richard Petty.
Allison also earned 446 top-10 finishes and 59 poles during a career that began in 1961 and lasted until midway through the 1988 season. He was honored as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.
— NASCAR.com —
NASCAR Hall of Fame Statement on the Passing of Bobby Allison
The following is a statement from NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director Winston Kelley on the passing of Bobby Allison.
“First and foremost, on behalf of the NASCAR Hall of Fame team, I want to offer our sincere condolences to Bobby’s daughters, Carrie and Bonnie, his entire family and all the members of the Alabama Gang on the passing of Bobby Allison.
Bobby Allison was known universally as a tenacious competitor and a true ‘racers’ racer’ who would race anything, anywhere and be successful. He frequently raced multiple nights a week, flying his beloved Piper aircraft while crisscrossing the country. Revered as the leader of the famed Alabama Gang, Bobby was one of the first 10 inductees into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011, something he quietly wore with much pride. Following his retirement from driving, Bobby was a car owner for seven years and continued to draw huge crowds with his constant appearances at NASCAR and NASCAR Hall of Fame events and racetracks across the country.
During his 25-year NASCAR Cup series career, Bobby won 85 times, 4th on the all-time Cup wins list, and scored marquee wins in NASCAR’s biggest races including three Daytona 500s, four Southern 500s and three Coca-Cola 600s. Bobby led over 27,000 laps, won 59 poles and finished in the top 10 in a remarkable 62% of his NASCAR Cup series starts. He was also a two-time NASCAR Modified division champion and won the 1980 International Race of Champions championship.
NASCAR and the NASCAR industry have lost one of our toughest and most versatile competitors and one of our staunchest and most active ambassadors of all time. Along with many others, we at the NASCAR Hall of Fame have lost a cherished friend. Bobby’s remarkable legacy and accomplishments in and for NASCAR will live in our minds, our hearts and the archives of the NASCAR Hall of Fame forever.”
— NASCAR —